UK reading more books in lockdown: Nielsen

In the UK, Nielsen Book research has found 41% of UK adults are reading more since lockdown started, but only 25% are buying more books, and 18% are buying fewer books than before lockdown, reports the Bookseller.

Of the 1000 people surveyed from 29 April to 1 May, one-third reported reading more printed books, 18% reading more ebooks and 9% listening to more audiobooks. A third of respondents said they had increased their time spent reading books to children.

The average amount of time spent reading books for all respondents nearly doubled, from around 3.5 hours per week to six.

Despite the increased reading time, only a quarter of respondents said they had bought more books since the lockdown began, compared to their normal buying habits, and 18% had bought fewer. As well as shop closures, ‘doing other things instead’ and a lack of money or financial worries were reasons given for reading or buying fewer books.

Two thirds of readers said their fiction interests have changed, most commonly turning to crime, thrillers or popular fiction. Two thirds of readers also noted their nonfiction interest tending towards more food and drink books, and history, puzzle, gardening and DIY titles.

For those buying books for children, about three-quarters said the genres they were interested in buying have changed since the lockdown, with funny stories and books to help with schoolwork now more appealing.

Category: International news